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DRIVERS can get a massive $2,000 payout if they buy or lease a new Ford, but not every model comes with the cash.
The program is a part of the car company’s new initiative, Ford Power Promise.
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On Monday, Ford CEO Jim Farley announced their brand would install a home charging system if drivers lease or buy a Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, or E-Transit cargo van.
“We have learned how important home charging is to overall electric vehicle adoption in the US,” he said in a press release.
“Nearly 90% of shoppers say they would be more likely to buy an electric vehicle if they knew they could charge at home.”
Those who take the EV plunge with Ford can now enjoy the convenience of a $1,310 charging system and 24/7 roadside assistance.
Under the new program, Ford will offer free tows to nearby charging stations if a driver loses power.
Plus, real-time customer service agents will be on call for any questions on EV performance.
Drivers who live in an apartment complex or under an HOA that bans home charging systems can get a $2,000 payment if they purchase one of the three EV models.
Farley took two cross-country trips using only EVs and said he noticed the gaps in charger access.
That is why Ford developed an adaptor for their EVs to use Tesla’s more widespread superchargers.
Between that and the Ford Power Promise, the CEO hopes that more drivers will consider his brand when ditching gas.
“Electric vehicles are an excellent choice for many people,” Farley said.
“They are fun to drive, quiet, and smooth on the road. They can help save you time and money on gas.
“And for the first time in a long time, filling up just got easier.”
To get the free charger, drivers must buy or lease their Ford between October 1, 2024, and January 2, 2025.
Electric vehicles vs gas
Pros and cons of EVs vs gasoline-powered vehicles
EV PROS:
- Convenient (when charging at home)
- Cheaper (depending on state or city)
- Cheaper maintenance, due to lack of mechanical parts
- Great for commuting
- Reduced CO2 emissions
- Federal and state tax incentives
- More performance (speed, handling – depending on the make and model)
EV CONS:
- Higher initial cost
- Higher insurance rates
- More frequent tire and brake replacement intervals
- Higher curb weight (thus causing more rapid wear on crucial parts)
- Low resale value
- High depreciation rates
- Lack of charging infrastructure
- Unreliable public charging (related: slow charging times)
- Poor winter and summer performance
- Lack of clean energy alternatives means more “dirty energy” from coal and nuclear sources
- Range anxiety
GAS PROS:
- Highly developed refueling infrastructure
- Fast refueling
- Cheaper insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
- Established repair industry
- Lower initial cost
- Higher range before refueling, especially with hybrids
- Many manufacturers produce nearly emission-less engines
- Cheaper refueling, depending on the location
GAS CONS:
- Finite resource (related: heavy dependence on petroleum)
- Carbon emissions/greenhouse gases
- Higher repair costs
- Higher insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
- Varying costs at the pump, depending on state, city, and county
Source: Car & Driver, Perch Energy, AutoWeek
THE EV RACE
Ford is racing against nearly every other major car brand to offer the cheapest electric options as an EV takeover looms.
General Motors and Ford declared they would switch to an all-electric fleet by 2035 to create a carbon-neutral future.
A major gas chain shut down 1,000 locations and vowed to shift its resources to EV charging.
However, not all drivers are sold on the major change, and some brands are suffering setbacks in their EV ventures.
In September, luxury automaker Volvo walked back its plan to electrify its entire lineup by 2030.
And EV startup Fisker filed for bankruptcy in June 2024 after losing an eye-watering $930 million to expensive manufacturing costs.
Overall, drivers should expect to pay out a hefty price if they want to invest in their first EV.
However, with a home charging system, an EV could save on gas prices for local driving.
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